I feel light, already!

Well, Iron-fans.  It's pretty much official.  I'm done.  Ironman Wisconsin came and went last weekend and not only was I not racing, I sort of did not care.  Sure, I checked the weather and results after a friend reminded me that it was Iron Sunday.  I even woke up at about three AM, relieved that I didn't have to wake up at four.  I also called a friend who somehow has managed to complete every single Ironman Wisconsin since the race began over ten years ago.  Overall, it feels pretty good. I'm interested and engaged in other things (make something every day) so there doesn't seem to be a lack of activity in my life.  I'm managing to stay in decent shape, sometimes more, sometimes less exercise, and almost always taking in healthy food.

Dropping a habit or hobby that consumes so much energy, effort and focus, allows me to try things that I always wanted to work on, but may not have had the chance.  Over the years, I've most likely invested a small fortune in Sport drinks, bars, gels, supplements, powders and the like.  You know the brands.  Probably one of the best is Hammer, but really, when you're relying on so many of your seasonal calories to come from a giant plastic vat of powder (mix with water),  it's a far cry from the sort of basic food that I gravitate towards when not pounding out hundred mile rides and three hour runs.  

So I'm not eating any of that packaged stuff, although my family and I still enjoy the occasional Kind Bar.

Kind Bars, YUM.

But at our newly opened Sugar Beet Food Co-op, we're carrying these little energy bars that bring back a lot of memories.  I think I started buying these little pouches of carob/nut/etc. bars at the infamous Berkeley Bowl in the late eighties.  Back when I first moved to California and I was living in a little apartment as an eighteen year old, I had already established a pretty hardy/cheap/mostly vegetarian eating style, but this was my first foray into living/feeding myself completely independently.  I remember how amazing the Bowl was, what with so many varieties of grown food, such  a vast selection of breads, bulk items, butcher, fish, cheese and more.  The Bowl was amazing, but it was also incredibly overwhelming.  I really had no idea what I needed/wanted and as I gazed at the intense veteran foodie/hippie folks who would pore over the produce carefully, knowledgeably, I'd sort of freak out.  I'd sometimes grab a few pippin apples, bulk pasta, nuts, peanut butter and get the heck out.  Yet I do remember that in the bulk section I found these awesome nibs, and not only was the price right, it was the sort of thing that I'd munch on for a light meal, between meal snack, on the go.  A life long relationship with food, launched.

Presentation is everything.

Fast forward to my years doing Ironman in Madison Wisconsin, and, frankly, one of my favorite things about training for this race and doing the event was the opportunity it afforded me to visit Madison, which feels in many ways so much like my hometown of Eugene, Oregon.  Madison's farm to table scene is alive and well, and there's no shortage of food co-op energy in town.  I'm a proud member of the Willie Street Co-op, and visit the store anytime I'm in town.  Used to be, that I'd stock up on a huge supply of dried goods when in town for raceday, along with items that I'd like to have along the way for my race and pre-race nutrition.  Always available, in a similar packaging at Willie Street was the little energy bar.  I'd munch on these a few days prior to race, also race morning, and stick a few in my food bags for the race. Easier to get into than the hermetically sealed cases that are cliff/power/gel whatevers.  A lot tastier, with a bit more texture, and naturally sweetened.  One of the great benefits of the little squares is that they are small.  I can eat, one, two, or more.  When I open a pre-packaged bar, I sort of have to commit to the size of the serving.  I don't know how often, in my life as an endurance athlete, I've found some sort of half eaten bar at the bottom of a sport bag or side pocket of a car or running shorts.  Then the question: do I leave this on the shelf and wait til next time to eat?  I'm frugal enough to hold onto that sandy crumpled bar, but let's face it, not appealing after a while.

So, I'm so thrilled that we've founded, built and opened a state of the art food co-op right here in Oak Park.  Seriously, I'm still pinching myself.  It's a long hard battle, and many folks aren't sure what to make of it, but every time I'm there I see people who either look as if they've been in a decent food store before, or as if they're curious about making something about the Beet work for them.  Not everyone is going to go as whole hog as me--after all, I know I'm pretty unique.  I know that not everyone wants to eat little cacao energy balls with flax seeds and pistachios crunched up inside.  But I also know that this is an amazing opportunity for those of us passionate about food climate to move forward, on so many levels.

Seize the day!

And here I am, after this morning's run!  Even I, after all these years, have had a rough patch or two in my fitness regime.  I've added a few pounds, slowed quite a bit, and often roll back over in bed rather than lace up the shoes and get out the door.  So, another of the benefits of our new grocery option is that I feel as if I've got my own shot at renewal.  Hard to not sound braggy, but I feel lighter, more energetic, more sexy, more alive.  I was already eating well, but the bump and passion of the Beet has brought my game to another level, as if the years and the surrender are peeling away.

The first time I did Vineman Ironman, in 1994, I went to a farm stand in Sonoma and bought some munchies to carry me through a few days.  I recall, fresh lime, pistachios in the shell, raw garlic and jalapeño pepper.  Okay, it may not be what you're going to feed your family tonight, but you get the idea.  Food that sparks the imagination, food as start point.  Food in small enough portions to not be stuck with leftovers and packages and the angst that is modern everything.  I feel light, already.  C'mon, join me.  You'll look, feel, and be amazing.

Thus complete, the Rockin' Red Dress, designed by Doris Chan, Crochet Goddess

Lakeside.

Loyal Followers know my hero worship of the crochet goddess, Doris Chan.  Here she served up a dress design in crochet magazine, Interweave of Fall 2012 that would put hairs on just about anybody's chest.  I mentioned it in a post earlier this summer, while I toiled away at the beginning stages of my Rockin' Red Dress, otherwise known as the Lt. Uhura Dress.  Some combination of delight, pride, relief and excitement for the next project is filling my heart as I look at a few of the photos we compiled during our recent trip to Ontario.   Here is a sampling of the growing organism that is a lovingly crafted handworked piece, as it travels far and wide.  The journey begins in old Oak Park, but my life here at home is just complicated enough that I didn't get far before shelving the work and waiting for quiet resort time. 

two months of on and off work, figuring out the quiver stitch.

First stop home on the coast.  We muddled through the early, and most complicated stages right here in Florence, Oregon.  There were quite a few points in which the ever resource-laden website, Ravelry, came in handy.  Those of you who are handworkers, if you haven't taken advantage of the gift that is Ravelry, check it out, ASAP.  This is such a terrifically designed site and a functional joy to use.  It's on Ravelry that I can find other like-minded aficionados who have toiled on the same design.

Finally. A perfect swatch. 

Mom & Dad's old Patio Chaiz Lounge.

Poolside, I crafted the base of the yoke/neckline.  One tiny misstep here, and we have a crooked dress down the line.  Not loyal to the beauty that is expected in this work.

The beginnings of collar/yoke.  Needs to be absolutely perfect.

By the time we join the yoke at the back I realize that I actually have the workings of a dress.  Up until this moment, I was sort of wondering.  But alas!  I've got it!!!! Ready to rock and roll, although the troubled times are not over.

Yoke Complete.  I'm exhausted.  What a puzzle.

Forming shoulders, sleeves, all with the seamless magic that is a Doris Chan design is an art form of rare beauty.  Traditional yarn-wear often involves pieces, as in fabric-formed garments, that must finally be assembled by stitchwork or sewing.  Not this, oh, no.  Last crochet stitch--dress complete!

Work.

Well.  It wouldn't be called the Unencumbered Woman if it didn't at least look effortless.  And of course, there are many many days when it feels just that.  Effortless.  Living a life with integrity, appreciating the beauty that is available to us, building something, creating something beautiful, and expressing love and appreciation and support for those people that surround us.

On to the torso, there's a matter of calculation and size.

And then we're back in the throes of midwestern living and Ironman training.  This quiet afternoon spot was one that I stole while on a visit/training ride in beautiful Madison, WI.  I walked around a neighborhood and found a quiet bench behind some fabulous homes.  Lake Monona is incredibly calming as a spot to sit and crochet.  I snuggled up past the two kids who were hawking lemonade and performed my typical no thanks nod as they pushed their wares upon me.  I know it's not always true, but today it was: "why is it the kids with the really huge brand new rehabbed house and the super expensive cars in the driveway with the killer view the ones making money off folks and lemonade?"  But that was the extent of my snark for that moment.  I figure, this is just the beginning for this neighborhood, and I'll be able to say that I saw it when....right before everybody started building really big, perfect houses crowded onto the narrow water-side lots.

Roman Candle Pizza, Madison, WI

Toronto, Ontario

Is it just obnoxious to say that I went from Madison to Toronto in less than a week? Perhaps, but that's how it goes, sometimes, and I'm thrilled for it. By the time I was climbing a giant web and hauling my crochet to the top, I was quite sure that I was practically done with the thing.  Counting necessary, and a bit of sizing work, but for the most part, I was in the homestretch.

The Well, neighborhood

And on to the country cabin in Ontario.  I do believe we stumbled upon the most beautiful place on earth.  I know that British Columbia brags about it on license plates, but that sort of over-hype just isn't necessary here.  Muskoka, Ontario, we all fell in love with you.  And here's a completed dress to prove it!

Lake-water blocking.

A morning on Pine Lake, such as this, just about does it.  Garment is dry, ready for a swim, and as loyal follower can see, I've accumulated some particularly nice CAN bling.  Yes!

Quiver aflutter.

And about the Birkenstocks.  Love my Birkenstocks, and I couldn't go anywhere in Ontario without seeing oodles of folks walking around in Birkenstocks!  Yes!!! I fit right in!!!
Yup. That's a dog.  Spent a delightful week with the two most amazing border collies that one might imagine.  Running with these two put me to shame, and reminded me why we have not right now the time or the inclination to go this route. What a lot of work, and what a lot of running these pups need to do!  Beautiful, smart, athletic.  A dream companion, of course.

Tyco

Photo session courtesy of Peter.  A trooper, indeed, and he hasn't lost his touch.  Sometimes we're so busy that he's not around when we're shooting for the blog.  It was truly a family vacation, screen-free, that we needed desperately.

Finished!

If, LF, you think that the hat is the only CAN bling that I picked up on this trip, you are undoubtedly wrong.  There's more, oh, so much more, but the bling that matters most is what we hold near and dear to our heart, and when you start with a vision in the dark of winter and a skein of Soy Silk yarn, the sky's the limit baby. The sky's the limit.

Happy! Proud!

http://dorischancrochet.com

"Mom, I think you should do Ironman first. Really, you've been working for this all year long."

Here it is! The day I wait for,  practically all year.  Today I load the car and head up to Madison, Wisconsin to participate in Ironman.  As I pore over the dining room full of clothes and gear, I wonder how I got here, and if "here" is indeed where I want to be, and what have I done for the past twelve months, if anything, to get ready for this adventurous feat? As a seasoned Ironman athlete, it might seem that I should have this in the bag, but sometimes I wonder the opposite.  As the years tick by, am I  becoming more careless?  Am I tempting my own fate to attempt this endeavor again and again?  Who knows?  But here I go again, and on the bright side, I'm healthy, fit, injury-free, and for cry in' out loud, I'm forty five years old and still taking part in Ironman, a game that I've been playing since I was in my late twenties!  I'm proud of myself, dammit! So here, a year in pictures, as a reminder to the length of the journey, which really is a lifelong one.  A journey, in my case, of self-discovery, challenge, fun, whimsy, passion, even creativity, rolled up into one self-indulgent event that sparks the imagination and drive in many a person.  Once again I pony up to the start line, thankful for my friends and family. Thank the universe for my own idyllic childhood in Eugene where I could swim in clean water, breath clean air, and ride unencumbered and learn the joy and challenge of two-wheel transport. 

Ironman Wisconsin finish line 2011.  I LOVE YOU KIDS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

JULIE & MARY training buddies and terrific friends, mid-winter. You push me, you inspire me.  Mad leftist powerful women fighting the good fight.

another lonely run on a dark chicago March winter day. Alone, I must deliver my own joy and beauty.

Wa-Laaaa!!! try this, make it beautiful!!! Make the planet beautiful!!!!

and I can still jump! I love crochet skirts!!!

Have socks, have cycling shorts, have bowling jacket.  Check. Ready. Go.

OK Y'all.  What's up with the yarn?

I dedicate my 2012 Ironman journey to Dad. You're strong you're powerful. We're ready to let you go, but not before shedding a bucket full of tears.  Does this mean that I'm the grown-up now???? Holy shit, yes. Grow up!!!!

My crazy badass radical training buddy. you abandoned me for the Castro, but one day you'll come to your senses and move to the East Bay. For now, keep the calls and FB posts coming. I Love & miss you, friend.

Peter says he loves bringing the kids to boring ol' Ironman. i can't imagine why, but they come, year in and year out.  I LOVE YOU GIRLS!!!!!

Peter says: "I wanna brag on my wife." Glory be. He's been cheering me on since 1992.  I love you Man.  And, like the song says: "It's time to get a gun. That's what I'm thinking.  I could afford one...If I did just a little less drinking." -Fred Eaglesmith.

And so it went! Another year again.  The event becomes a marking place, a memory of what was happening around us.  This year will be a doozy.  After a delightful year of celebration and good health, our family is getting ready to say goodbye to dear Dad.  I have no idea how many tears one might shed during or after or even before an Ironman, but if I ever paid six hundred bucks to cry all day, I'd rather do this than say, a twelve hour therapy session or even more challenging, a silent meditation retreat.  Dad, I'll be with you all day long, whatever that means.  Even better, I'll be with you on Tuesday, and to that, I'm truly looking forward to.  This was a weighty decision, one that I don't want to regret.  When I asked Addie should I go ahead with Ironman or rush out to Oregon, she was thoughtful and kind; "Mom, I think you should do Ironman first.  Really, you've been working for this all year long."  Man. I love that kid. I love that kid.

It doesn't have to be fun to be fun! ~JW

 Don't look now, but it's adventure time!!! Don't miss out on the season, if at all possible.  If, LF, you are stuck at a cubicle or meeting somewhere, I'm so sorry.  Take a peek at these photos and think about sneaking away, if for a very short time.  So here's my dream day in Madison, Wisconsin, site of the Ironman Wisconsin in eighty days (but who's counting?).

IM Wisconsin bike course

IM Wisconsin bike course

 It all started with a bang. My new great friend and training buddy Jilly dragged me over seventy miles of the Ironman course.  We'll just do the stem and the loop once, OK?  Yeah, whatever you say, boss.  It was actually a delightful ride. Riding with Jilly is terrific, because she's raced IMMOO every year (yes EVERY YEAR for ten years) and trains frequently on the bike course.  Watching her attack the course gave me a sense of the few occasions that one should brake on the ride, and where she flows.  I always need a confidence booster on descents, so I felt a bit of permission when watching her glide ahead of me down hills.  We got out early enough to enjoy sun without too much heat (about 88F) and we were finished before noon.  I'm not going to elaborate on the training.  To know Jilly is to know steady riding, just my style, with a few notches added for "not stopping for anything more than 1-2 minutes).  Then we jumped into Lake Monona for a little swim.  Jilly admits that I was about to witness her "weakest sport".  Thank goodness, "the crack in the armor", I respond.

But as we finished I realized that if I jumped into the car and drove back to Oak Park, I'd rob Addie of her opportunity to be in charge of Ashby and house and order pizza and TV for dinner.  So, If I were a typical tri-geek, I'd obviously don running shoes and add another workout to the mix, but alas, that's not me, at least not today!  I put my day clothes on and headed for State Street, my favorite midwestern town with major retail boulevard closed to all automobile traffic!

LOVE IT!

When in Madison, I've got a couple of responsibilities. First, just loving Madison.  I'm loving this Badger Liqour sign on pink that sits smack in the middle of everything.  Blue sky, soft clouds, hot, low humidity. I'm happy!!!! 

Badger Liquor: Ice Cubes~

Beyond photography, stop number one is the unisex hair salon, always a deal and capable of cutting my hair as short as I prefer. I was pretty punchy in the salon, after an iced coffee-thing and unencumbered-ness, so my stylist definitely earned her tip.

Short enough for summer training?

Yes!

 And, naturally, lunchtime.  Typical earthy-college-town-lunch-affair.  Tibet/Indian/type food, great for vegetarians and all-around flexitarians like me!

Bhat Tarkari

 And then a walk to the mother-lode.  Bumper sticker store (they sell other things: self-help books, t-shrts, music, incense, jewelry, you know the drill).  But this is where I rely on replenishing bumper-sticker supply, especially since the Subaru is a little light right now.

Shakti!

 You probably wonder how many bumper stickers I grabbed? That, LF, will remain a secret, until you see the Subaru proudly adorned with new additions.  Some classics, some new.  I'm loving it!!!! Must be summer, and I must have grown up in a crunchy college town!!!! The guy behind the counter wasn't too cheerful.  They might be feeling pretty low, since there's Walker stuff all around us, but as I become the grizzled ol' mother, I can only say, "the struggle continues".

And a glimpse up State Street towards the capitol building.  This is a hoot on Ironman Day, especially for those who are sitting drinking a beer and eating a salad.  On the run course, I'm not so sure, but as Jilly says:  "It doesn't have to be fun to be fun!"  (what a fabulous bumper sticker that would be!!!!).

And here it is, IM run course!!! This is so fun on IM day!!! Lots of athletes, lots of heat, lots of pain!!!

I was back in the car in time for driving all the way home (not a short trip), and in time for pizza with the kids.  Nothing exploded, and with a  mere 10 or so hours away from home. Revitalized, energized, exercised, and ready for a new day, a new adventure!!!

Madison is...

The biggest farmer's market in the country & places like Graze, for a nice big pre-race meal!  Check out my eggs benedict, all local & organic! We got to talking about I'M and me not drinking a Bloody Mary...my bar-man said he'd make me a virgin one, minus the beer chaser.  Chaser! I can take that!  And by a mile, the best BM with organic cheese curds and hearty jerky with a New Glarius Moon Man chaser! Go Team!!!











It's also the day of the Badgers vs. The Beavers!  Go figure!!!! When I see anyone wearing OSU colors, I give a little shout. It shocks them, because they are so outnumbered by Wisconsin fans!  Picture of me with two big OSU fans coming soon, it's on the camera...

 And then on to Robert and Ellie's house for a wonderful afternoon of chitchat and relaxation.  Sitting across the street from beach, lake, sun filled garden and house....ironman? What Ironman?!!!!

Street view from Bob's house

Word has it that Georgia O'Keefe lived here for a season

Fellow athletes enjoying a fabulous afternoon together

 And so it goes. Now it's getting later in the afternoon and there's no turning back.  Bike is racked, gear is in transition rooms, all we have to do is get up early in the morning, find swim attire, hike to the swim start, and let it all happen. The hardest part is over. The logistical nightmare of a full season of Iron preparation is complete.  Now for the day that we anticipate, all year long.